synth from “pocket calculator” by kraftwerk | ToneDB
pocket calculator
kraftwerk
synth
Tone Profile
The synth sound is bright, metallic, and slightly robotic, capturing the playful and futuristic essence of the song. It's a clean, almost toy-like timbre with a distinct synthesized quality.
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The Story
The synth sound on Kraftwerk's "Pocket Calculator" was created using an ARP Odyssey synthesizer, recorded direct injection at their Kling Klang Studio in Düsseldorf. The track was produced by Ralf Hütter and engineered by Florian Schneider, utilizing their signature approach of creating clean, precise electronic tones that defined their futuristic sound.
Production Credits
Producer: Ralf Hütter
Engineer: Florian Schneider
Recorded at: Kling Klang Studio, Düsseldorf
Signal Chain
Instrument: ARP OdysseyShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with an ARP Odyssey or similar analog synthesizer.
- Create a bright, square-wave-based sound with a slightly metallic timbre.
- Use a high-pass filter to remove any muddiness and enhance the clarity.
- Adjust the envelope settings for a short attack and decay to achieve the percussive quality.
- Add a touch of chorus or phasing for subtle modulation.
Original Gear
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- ARP OdysseyShop on Reverb(synth)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: ARP Odyssey synthesizer
Official modern recreation of the original ARP Odyssey with authentic analog modeling, perfect for recreating those bright, metallic square wave tones
Alternative to: ARP Odyssey synthesizer
High-quality software emulation of classic ARP synthesis with the square wave oscillators and filter characteristics needed for this robotic timbre
Alternative to: ARP Odyssey synthesizer
Budget-friendly analog recreation of the ARP Odyssey circuit design, delivering authentic vintage square wave synthesis for that toy-like electronic sound
Alternative to: ARP Odyssey synthesizer
Modern analog synth capable of bright, percussive square wave patches with the envelope control and filtering needed to match the original's metallic character
Frequently Asked Questions
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